Light socket mounting

ABSTRACT

The disclosed embodiment of the present invention is a mounting structure for a light socket, preferably of the type used for decorative lights, which permits the socket to be mounted in one of several positions with respect to a supporting structure. The mounting structure is employed in combination with the type of light socket which can be placed at any desired position along the length of a pair of electric wires. Such a light socket employs a clamping structure in its base which is disposed for engaging the wires and, in so doing, causes the ends of a pair of conductors to pierce the insulation of a corresponding wire to effect an electrical connection therewith. The mounting structure includes a pair of runner members rigidly secured to one part of the clamping structure of the socket, with one runner member extending substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the socket, and the other extending substantially parallel to a side wall of the socket. A base element adapted for attachment to a supporting structure includes a pair of slideways disposed for receiving one or the other of the runner members for supporting the socket in one of several alternate positions.

1 United States Patent [191 Werry Dec. 16, 1975 LIGHT SOCKET MOUNTING [75] Inventor: Arthur W. Werry, Menlo Park,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: Dale-Jones Corporation, San Jose,

Calif.

[22] Filed: Nov. 14, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 523,572

[52] US. Cl 240/52.1; 240/10 R; 240/73 QD; 5 248/223 [51] Int. Cl. F21V 21/08 [58] Field of Search 240/52.1, 52 R, 73 QD, 240/10 R, 10 T; 248/223, 224, 225

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,196,171 4/1940 Arnesen 240/52.l X

Primary Examiner-Richard L. Moses 5 7] ABSTRACT The disclosed embodiment of the present invention is a mounting structure for a light socket, preferably of the type used for decorative lights, which permits the socket to be mounted in one of several positions with respect to a supporting structure. The mounting structure is employed in combination with the type of light socket which can be placed at any desired position along the length of a pair of electric wires. Such a light socket employs a clamping structure in its base which is disposed for engaging the wires and, in so doing, causes the ends of a pair of conductors to pierce the insulation of a corresponding wire to effect an electrical connection therewith. The mounting structure includes a pair of runner members rigidly secured to one part of the clamping structure of the socket, with one runner member extending substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the socket, and the other extending substantially parallel to a side wall of the socket. A base element adapted for attachment to a supporting structure includes a pair of slideways disposed for receiving one or the other of the runner members for supporting the socket in one of several alternate positlons.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 LIGHT SOCKET MOUNTING FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a mounting structure for a light socket and more particularly to an improvement for a light socket for mounting the socket body in one of a plurality of positions with respect to a supporting structure. The present invention has particular application when employed with the commonly known Christmas tree light sockets, but it will be understood that it may be employed with many different types of ornamental light fixtures for mounting the same on a supporting structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION During the Christmas season, many residences and office buildings are decorated with a plurality of lights which are positioned with respect to one annother to form some well defined pattern. For example, residences are often decorated by hanging strings of lights along the eaves and the gables. In addition, lights are employed to form a pattern depicting some symbolic representation of the Christmas season. Ornamental lights are also employed to accentuate a display in a store or office, such as by placing a plurality of lights around the periphery of a display.

In the mounting of ornamental lights, such as on a part of a building structure or on a frame surrounding a display, a number of features are considered desirable. Generally, it is a requirement that the light sockets can be mounted in a generally rigid manner to the supporting structure, so that they will not be subject to movement, such as may be caused by the effects of a high wind, for example. Furthermore, it is generally desirable to have all of the lights extending from the supporting structure in a generally uniform manner or in the same direction, particularly when employed to accentuate a display. Many of the techniques presently employed for hanging strings of lights on a building structure or around the periphery of a display are not capable of supporting the light sockets in a relatively stable fashion, thereby rendering them susceptible to the effects of external forces and less capable of main taining a uniform position with respect to the mounting surface and each other.

It is also desirable in many instances to be able to mount the light sockets in one of several alternative positions with respect to the supporting structure. For example, it may be desirable to mount the lights in either a perpendicular or a parallel position with respect to the mounting surface. In other instances, it may be desirable to mount some of the lights on a particular string in one position and the remaining lights of the same string in another position with respect to the mounting surface. With the known mount ing devices for light sockets, this requirement cannot be satisfied without removing the mounting means from the support structure or without using a different type of mounting for each different position desired.

It is also desirable in the mounting of ornamental lights for decorative or display purposes to be able to position adjacent lights at different distances from one another without having any slack in the adjoining electrical wires. Although it is possible to satisfy this requirement with light socket and wire sets presently available on the market, the installation of such sets with the presently known mounting means is cumber- 2 some and the resultant installation does not usually provide a pleasing or attractive arrangement.

Various techniques which have been employed in the past for hanging strings of lights on a mounting surface include the use of staples, nails, and wire hooks. Each of these devices are employed to directly support the electrical wires, rather than the light sockets. The use of such devices is likely to cause damage to the insulation of the electrical wiring, thereby increasing the possibility of short circuits. Generally, staples are rather easily removed and, therefore, do not form a suitable means for securely fastening a wire to a mounting surface. Wire hooks, on the other hand, are not intended to firmly engage the electrical wire and it is, therefore, not firmly held with the possibility of the wire becoming disengaged therefrom being very likely. Furthermore, if it is desirable to remove the lights for a temporary period, such as between Christmas seasons, it is generally desirable to remove the mounting devices, since they do not present an attractive appearance if they remain attached to the mounting surface in the absence of the strings of lights. Such removal of these devices is generally time consuming and the marks of their having been fastened to the mounting structure will remain, causing an unsightly appearance.

Another type of mounting device which does not suffer from some of the above-mentioned disadvantages is that shown in US. Pat. No. 3,540,687. The device disclosed in that patent includes a clip type light socket holder and a base element disposed for being mounted on a house or like structure. The holder is attachable to the base element and is provided with clip elements for receiving and retaining the light socket. Such a device is capable of supporting the light socket in only one position with respect to a mounting surface. If it is necessary to mount a light socket such that its central axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface, a base mounting element must be employed which protrudes from the mounting surface. If the base mounting elements of such a device are to remain securely fastened to the mounting structure after the strings of lights have been removed, their appearance will not be pleasingly desirable. Furthermore, the use of a clip element for releasably holding the light socket distracts from the ornamental design of the light socket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light socket mounting structure which permits a light socket to be mounted in one of two alternative positions with respect to a mounting structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light socket mounting structure which provides relatively rigid support directly to the socket.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light socket mounting structure which is formed integrally with the body of the socket to provide a more pleasing appearance which does not distract from the general configuration and ornamental design of the light socket.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a light socket structure which is employed in combination with a light socket which can be readily positioned at any location along a pair of electrical wires to eliminate slack in the wires between adjacent sockets.

A feature of the present invention resides in theprovision of means for permitting the light socket to be mounted in one of two alterrnative positions with respect to a mounting surface.

These and other objects, features, and advantages are The invention, however, and other objects, features and advantages thereof will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light socket and mounting structure constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and illustrated as being mounted on an exposed beam of a building;

FIG. 2 is a view taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention illustrating it in one of its mounting positions;

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of one embodiment of the mounting structure of the present invention;

.FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention illustrated in another one of its mounting positions; and

FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawing are intended to designate the same or similar elements.

With reference to the drawing in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a light socket, generally designated with the reference numeral 10 having a light bulb 12 inserted therein and disposed for making electrical contact with conductors which are electrically connected to a pair of wires 14. The light bulb 12 is illustrated as being of the type normally employed during the Christmas season for decoration, but it is to be understood that the present invention may be employed with any type of light bulb and socket. A mounting structure 16 is employed for mounting the socket 10 on a support structure. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical support structure or mounting surface as being an exposed beam 18 of the cave of a house. The socket and light are illustrated as being mounted on a bottom surface of the exposed beam 18, but it is to be understood that it may be mounted on any one of the exposed surfaces thereof.

FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate two embodiments of the mounting structure and the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a base element 20 is provided with a hole 22 which is disposed for receiving a fastening element, such as a screw 24, therethrough. It is to be understood, however, that the base element 20 may be secured to the mounting surface by means of a nail passing through the hole 22 or by an adhesive. The base element-20 is provided with a pair of channels 26 and 28 which form slideways.

A slide member, generally designated with the reference numeral 30 includes a pair of portions 32 and 34, each of which is adapted to be received by the base element 20. -In particular, slide portion 32 includes a 4 pair of flanges 36 and 38 in the form of runners which are adapted to be received in the channels 26 and 28, respectively. The slide portion 34 includes a pair of flanges 40 and 42 which form runners which are also adapted to be received in the channels 26 and 28, respectively.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the slide member 30 is formed integrally with a base portion of the socket 10. The socket 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 is of the type which is adapted to clamp the wire 14 against a pair of prongs (not shown) which form connectors, thereby forcing the prongs to pierce the insulation of the wires 14 and effect an electrical connection therewith. Such sockets are well known and include a clamp member 62 which coacts with the base of the socket 10 by means of cooperating locking surfaces to maintain the wires 14 clamped in the position shown and in electrical contact with the pronged conductors. The slide member 30 is formed integrally with the clamp member 34, thereby eliminating the need for any additional structure for engaging and supporting the socket 10. I

Edges 44 and 46 of the channels 26 and 28, respectively, are tapered toward one another in a rearward direction as shown in the drawing. Underlying each one of the flanges 36, 38, 40 and 42 is a shoulder, such as the shoulder designated 48, which are disposed for engaging a respective one of the edges 44 and 46, such that a wedging effect occurs therebetween to hold the slide member 30 in engagement with the base element.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a slide member 31 is formed of slide portions 33 and 35, with slide portion 33 being secured to and formed integrally with a base portion 50 of a socket 52. The slide portion 33 is provided with flanges forming runners which are disposed for being received in channels 26 and 28 and the slide portion 35 is provided with similar flanges 41 and 43 which are also disposed for being received in channels 26 and 28, respectively. The socket 52 may be of the type which effects an electrical connection with the wires 14 in a similar manner to that provided by the socket 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the base portion 50 may be provided with internal threads which cooperate with external threads on the socket portion on the socket 52 to clamp the wires 14 and effect an electrical connection thereof with a pair of pronged conductor strips (not shown). The slide portion 35 is shown in FIG. 6 as extending away from the socket body, since otherwise it may interfere with the threaded connection of the base portion 50 to the socket 52. However, if the slide portion 33 is supported a sufficient distance from the end of the socket base 50, the slide portion 55 may extend along the side of the socket body as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. The particular form of the slide member 31 illustrated in FIG. 6, however, may be desirable in certain installations. Forexample, a frame for a displaymay be constructed with the base elements 20 embedded in slots with only the ends of the channels 26 and 28 exposed, so that the light sockets can be removed without detracting from the appearance of the display.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the slide portion 34 is at an angle greater than with respect to the slide portion 32. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate. the purpose of this angular relationship. AS shown in FIG. 3, the slide portion 34 extends at an acute angle with respect to a side wall of. the socket 10, which angle is designated with the reference numeral 54. This angular relationship of the slide portion 34 with respect to the slide portion 32 insures that the bulb 12 will not engage any portion of the mounting surface. A similar result is achieved in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 by the slide portion 35 being disposed at an angle less than 90 from the slide portion 33. It will be seen from the view illustrated in FIG. 2 that the top surface of the bulb 12, because of angular relationship, is displaced from the plane of the mounting surface. Accordingly, the light socket can be mounted on the underside of a support structure without the possibility of the heated surface of the light bulb 12 causing any damage thereto.

FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate two different mounting positions which can be achieved by the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the light socket can be mounted such that an axis through its center is substantially parallel to the mounting surface. In the position illustrated in FIG. 5, the light socket 10 is mounted such that the axis through its center is substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface 56.

What is claimed is:

1. In a light socket having a body portion forming a socket opening and base portion having means disposed for effecting an electrical connection with a pair of wires, the improvement comprising:

a. a base element disposed for attachment to a supporting structure and including means defining a pair of slideways at opposite sides of said base in opposed relationship to one another; and

b. a slide member formed integrally with the base portion of the socket and including a pair of portions each having means forming a pair of runners, with each of the runners on each portion being disposed for being slidably received in a respective one of said slideways for releasable attachment of said slide member with said base element, said portions of said slide member 6 being disposed at an angle with respect to one another, such that the body portion of the light socket can be mounted in either of two positions with respect to a supporting structure which is disposed for receiving said mounting member thereon.

2. The light socket and improvement defined in claim 1, wherein each of said slideways is formed of a channel member.

3. The light socket and improvement defined in claim 1, wherein said portions of said slide member are disposed at an angle of from to 135 with respect to one another.

4. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein said portions of said slide member are disposed at an angle of from to with respect to one another.

5. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion of the socket includes wire engaging means disposed for locking engagement with the body portion, and said slide member is formed integrally with said wire engaging means.

6. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein said runners of one of said portions of said slide member lie in a plane parallel to a bottom wall of the body portion opposite a socket opening therein.

7. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 6, wherein said runners of the other of said portions of said slide member extend along and adjacent to a side wall of the body portion.

8. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 6, wherein said runners of the other of said portions of said slide member extend away from the body portion in a plane substantially parallel to a side wall thereof. 

1. In a light socket having a body portion forming a socket opening and base portion having means disposed for effecting an electrical connection with a pair of wires, the improvement comprising: a. a base element disposed for attachment to a supporting structure and including means defining a pair of slideways at opposite sides of said base in opposed relationship to one another; and b. a slide member formed integrally with the base portion of the socket and including a pair of portions each having means forming a pair of runners, with each of the runners on each portion being disposed for being slidably received in a respective one of said slideways for releasable attachment of said slide member with said base element, said portions of said slide member being disposed at an angle with respect to one another, such that the body portion of the light socket can be mounted in either of two positions with respect to a supporting structure which is disposed for receiving said mounting member thereon.
 2. The light socket and improvement defined in claim 1, wherein each of said slideways is formed of a channel member.
 3. The light socket and improvement defined in claim 1, wherein said portions of said slide member are disposed at an angle of from 90* to 135* with respect to one another.
 4. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein said portions of said slide member are disposed at an angle of from 100* to 125* with respect to one another.
 5. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion of the socket includes wire engaging means disposed for locking engagement with the body portion, and said slide member is formed integrally with said wire engaging means.
 6. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 1, wherein said runners of one of said portions of said slide member lie in a plane parallel to a bottom wall of the body portion opposite a socket opening therein.
 7. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 6, wherein said runners of the other of said portions of said slide member extend along and adjacent to a side wall of the body portion.
 8. The light socket and improvement as defined in claim 6, wherein said runners of the other of said portions of said slide member extend away from the body portion in a plane substantially parallel to a side wall thereof. 